3.2 Argument Builder

The Argument Builder provides a dynamic graphical interface that enables you to construct complex argument expressions for use within Rule Builder.

The Argument Builder consists of five separate sections:

Figure 3-3 Argument Builder

Launch the Argument Builder from the following actions by clicking the Edit Arguments icon.

To define an expression, select one or more nouns (values, objects, variables, etc.), and combine them with verbs (substring, escape, uppercase and lowercase) to construct arguments.

The following example creates an argument for a username from the first letter of the first name and the entire last name:

  1. Select Attribute from the list of nouns, then click Add.

    Attribute token
  2. Specify or select the Given Name attribute.

    Given Name attribute in the editor
  3. Select Substring from the list of verbs, then click Add.

    Substring token
  4. Type 1 in the Length field.

    Editor
  5. Select the Given Name attribute, then click the Move Down icon.

    Moving the Given Name attribute down
  6. Select Attribute from the list of nouns, then click Add.

  7. Specify or browse to the Surname attribute.

  8. Select the Surname attribute, then click the Move Down icon twice.

    Moving the Surname attribute down

    The argument takes the first character of the Given Name attribute and adds it to the Surname attribute to build the desired value.

  9. Click OK to save the argument.

3.2.1 Argument Builder Tips

  • Use the Cut/Copy/Paste icons Cut/Copy/Paste icons to use the Policy Builder clipboard. The Paste icon is disabled if the current content on the clipboard is invalid at that location.

    IMPORTANT:If you are using Firefox as your browser, it is recommended to configure the browser settings as follows to use copy/paste functionality.

    1. Open the FireFox browser and type about:config in the address bar, then press Enter.

    2. Click "I'll be careful, I promise!" button after the warning message about changing advanced settings appears on the screen.

    3. Find the preference signed.applets.codebase_principal_support, and change the value to true, then restart the browser.

      A security pop-up alert is displayed warning you that the Accept application is asking for enhanced privileges. This alert is normal, and is required for the security of your system.

    4. Click the Remember this decision check box, then click Yes to allow the clipboard access request. After you confirm the access request, the browser will then trust the Accept application, and will stop asking for confirmation from you when you log in.

  • Use the Move Up/Move Down/Remove icons Move Up/Move Down/Remove icons to reposition or remove tokens in the argument.

  • Use the Update the expression panel icon link to refresh the Argument Builder interface. The interface is refreshed automatically whenever you add or modify a token.